Many know that June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, but did you know that the entire month of June is celebrated as National Indigenous History Month? Indigenous Peoples have celebrated their culture and heritage for generations around June 21, the summer solstice and the year’s longest day.
This month honours the rich heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in shaping our country.
We invite you to explore the culture and contributions of the First Peoples of Turtle Island.
Pacific Northwest First Nations People and Culture
Explore our booklist featuring the rich heritage and contemporary life of First Nations people of our region:
- Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw: We Come From This Land: A Walk Through the History of the Squamish People by Stephanie Wood
- It Stops Here: Standing up for Our Lands, Our Waters, and Our People by Rueben George
- Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness by Leigh Joseph
Indigenous Fiction
Don’t miss this curated booklist of contemporary fiction writers spanning the genres of realistic fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, dark comedy, and drama.
- Firekeeper: A Novel by Catherine Lafferty
- Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice
- Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
Indigenous Films
Watch films celebrating Indigenous cultures and stories:
- The Unknown Country (2023)
- Bones of Crows (2023)
- Wildhood (2022)
Walking in Good Relations: A Sínulkhay & Ladders Game
Borrow a set of four copies of the newest version of Ta7talíya Nahanee’s award-winning decolonial board game—perfect for classrooms, families, or workplaces just in time for Indigenous History Month. 
You’ll use Indigenous learning principles to understand better connectedness and the reciprocal relationship of First Peoples to the land. Learning outcomes include First Peoples governance, discriminatory policies and injustices in Canada, contemporary challenges faced by BC First Peoples, recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and more.
Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee, from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), is a decolonial creative and strategist. Her mission is to catalyze social change to transform colonial narratives and impacts, support everyone in unlearning anti-Indigenous racism, and implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.
Place a hold now: Walking in Good Relations.
Heart Garden
Between May 29 and June 5, patrons can make a heart for the Heart Garden.
These hearts recognize and honour the children who were sent away to Residential Schools and encourage patrons to make a personal commitment to reconciliation. The hearts will be “planted” in our garden on June 5 and will remain there for a couple of weeks (weather dependent), after which they will be composted and added to our native plant garden.
Heart Garden materials are located in the Main Hall in front of the piano.